Virtual Button Control via Acoustic Masking in Audio Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback equipment with integrated loudspeakers and microphones is costly to manufacture and requires physical buttons for user interaction, which can be limiting in terms of functionality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of 'virtual buttons' using pre-existing microphones and a loudspeaker, where a processor component detects audio detection signals to identify a run of maskings and command slides made by a user on the housing, allowing for predetermined actions to be triggered without the need for physical buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical buttons are added to audio playback equipment for user interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing microphones and loudspeaker serve dual functions: their original audio functions plus new gesture detection functions for virtual buttons. The microphones detect both voice commands and finger masking gestures, while the loudspeaker plays both audio content and detection signals, eliminating the need for separate physical buttons and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (microphones and loudspeaker) to enable new functionality rather than requiring external additions. The microphones and loudspeaker serve themselves by detecting gestures and playing detection signals, respectively, allowing the device to expand capabilities without external hardware additions
2Measurement precision
If multiple microphones are used for beamforming to improve voice recognition, then voice recognition accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the microphones serve dual purposes: their original beamforming function for voice recognition and a new function for detecting finger masking gestures on virtual buttons. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain voice recognition accuracy while avoiding additional manufacturing costs for separate gesture detection hardware
3Ease of operation
If tapping interaction is used on housing for button functions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to dependency on finger characteristics and tap force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tapping interaction with an acoustic field-based detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical impact forces from finger taps, the system uses acoustic signals emitted by the loudspeaker and detected by microphones to sense finger masking gestures, eliminating dependency on finger characteristics and tap force variability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces manufacturing costs by utilizing existing components, enhances user interaction with progressive-response actions, and improves functionality by eliminating the need for physical buttons, while functioning effectively in various noise levels and environments.
Implementation Method 1
microphones positioned inside the housing, each microphone being in acoustic communication with the outside via a respective one of the holes
Implementation Method 2
acquire audio detection signals produced by the microphones as a result of picking up the sound detection signal
Implementation Method 3
from the audio detection signals, to detect a run of maskings in which at least two distinct microphones are masked in succession
Data Source
AI summary
Audio playback equipment includes microphones, a loudspeaker, emitter means arranged to emit a sound detection signal, and at least one processor component arranged: to acquire detection audio signals produced by the microphones as a result of picking up the detection sound signal; from the audio detection signals, to detect a run of maskings in which at least two distinct microphones are masked in succession; to analyze a detected run of maskings so as to detect a command slide made by a user on the housing via at least two distinct microphones; and to cause at least one predetermined action to take place as a result of detecting said command slide.